Page 27 - 1994

“I just feel that I don’t have any­ Photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated and Nike
thing else to prove,” said star Chi­ to many people was the fact that
cago Bull’s basketball player Jordan became a member of the Chi­
Michael Jordan to a shocked nation cago White Sox AA Minor League
during a retirement press confer­ in the spring of 1994 and intended to
ence on October 6, 1993. Even pursue this career to the Major
II
though he had hinted of retirement Leagues.
in the past, 30 year-old Jordan’s end According to some students at
to his basketball career was a sur­ Ralston High School. Michael Jor­
prise to everyone. At the time of his dan did the right thing when he an­
decision the Chicago Bulls had won nounced his retirement. "It was good
three straight NBA championships, of him to leave the game in his
and he had seven consecutive scor­ prime, but he should leave baseball
ing titles. Even though it was ru­ to the baseball players," Senior Aaron
mored that the media was part of his Bamesberger said. Others thought
decision for leaving, Jordan denied that Jordan just needed time off and
this. A “final push” seemed to be the would be back on the court in a year.
death of his father that occurred two A mutual agreement of most stu­
months earlier. dents was that the annoucement of
After the retirement Jordan stated Michael Jordan’s retirement came
that he would have many things to as a surprise and a shock. "1 used to
do to keep him busy including play­ watch basketball games just to see
ing golf and spending more time Jordan play; now it's just not the
with his family. Jordan and Nike same," Senior Ben Galyardt said.
chairperson Phil Knight were also WENDY HUNTINGTON
looking at buying a basketball team
in Europe. What came as a surprise
Guwie*tt £>oe*vLi 23